PETER'S PRINCIPLES - NEW IN PRINT
Dan from Livonia e-mails that he is upset his son doesn't want to do anything but play video games and worries he's not getting enough exercise.
Dan, you do have reason to worry. The child obesity rate in America is rising at an alarming rate! Too much time watching TV, playing video games, sitting at the computer, and poor nutrition are all partially to blame. But, if you have a hard time pulling your children away from video games, I have a tip for you - a new study discovered certain games can actually be good forms of exercise. Researchers found when children played certain martial art games, they saw an increase in their heart and breathing rates.
So, look for games that force your child to get up and move, such as "Dance-Dance Revolution." Just remember, these games aren't a substitute for outside activity like running, riding a bike, or playing sports. Try to limit the indoor game time and, whenever possible, send your kids outside to play!
Brian from Ferndale e-mails asking how he can fit in exercise when his day is already too full.
It's simple Brian - you won't believe how much exercise time is actually "in" your day. Here are three things you can do to help you get 30-60 minutes of exercise each day.
- 1 - Walk! When you go out to the supermarket, post office, or even out to eat, park far away because all of those extra steps really add up!
- 2 - Make the most of your "down time." Do leg lifts while talking on the phone or put a stationary bike in front of the television. Or, jog in place while waiting for that pot of water to boil for dinner.
- 3 - Do a little bit of housework. Vacuuming, sweeping, and raking all work your arm and leg muscles. Just 10 minutes of each can burn almost 200 calories and you just added a half hour of exercise to your day (not to mention your house looks great!)
Before you know it, you'll be able to find all kinds of ways to fit exercise into every day and you'll feel great too!
Do you have a question you've been working on? Send me an email!
